A Norfolk conservation area containing multiple listed buildings is to be expanded after new plans were approved.

More than a dozen properties will be included in the revised Hedenham and Ditchingham Hall conservation area in South Norfolk.

Council documents say the country houses of Hedenham Hall and Ditchingham Hall "dominate the area to the south-east of the village and the east side of Ditchingham" along Norwich Road.

The former Mermaid pub, most recently opened as an Indian restaurant on Norwich Road, is another well-known landmark in the existing conservation area.

A map showing the extension of the new conservation area boundaryA map showing the extension of the new conservation area boundary (Image: South Norfolk District Council)

When the boundary was first designated in 1994 the conservation area did not include within its boundary the area to the south known as Hedenham Green, behind the old pub.

This area contains many historic properties and a historic landscape rural settlement pattern resulting from the enclosure of common land in the 19th century.

But now this area will be included following the appraisal and public consultation. 

The church stands out as the oldest building in Hedenham and has its own distinct architecture, being built predominantly in flint.

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Ditchingham Hall and Hedenham Hall are both high-status houses for the landed gentry and also have a distinct architectural character.

Ditchingham Hall, April 1953. Looking across the lake from the edge of the park to the stately home which was built in 1714.Ditchingham Hall, April 1953. Looking across the lake from the edge of the park to the stately home which was built in 1714. (Image: Archant Archive)

The plans state that the joiner of these two buildings likely designed and worked on many of the area's other properties.

The documents say that The Old Rectory and Hedenham House are "more significant houses" with some "provincial architectural pretension" such as having Dutch end gables that are examples of homes that will be added to the new boundary. 

The public consultation on the draft appraisal took place from December 5 until January 15.

The former Mermaid Inn at Hedenham taken in 2008The former Mermaid Inn at Hedenham taken in 2008 (Image: Newsquest)